Disappointed by GMAT Score...Any Advice?

[smcnamara]

Dear Consultants,

I am applying to full-time MBA programs at UCLA Anderson and USC Marshall for Fall '09. I just took the GMAT for the first time and scored a 640 total (42 verbal, 36 quant). My target score was 690.

After four months of preparation, including a math refresher course, a 9-week MGMAT course, some tutoring, and eight timed practice tests, this score was disappointing. I scored a 690 on two timed practice tests, but haven't hit this threshold in the last month or so. It's possible that I'm a bit fried from all of the prep.

So the question is this -- should I grind through the math for another month and retake the GMAT in early December? I know I can do better than a 36 in quant, but realistically won't go much higher than 40. Or should I focus my time and energy on the essays and application and live with the 640?

I have two concerns with retaking the GMAT. The first is jeopardizing my verbal score (95th percentile). The second is getting pushed out of Round 1 for USC Marshall if I have to wait until mid-December to submit my application.

I am a white male, 32, with over ten years of experience in the advertising industry in NY and LA (Client Services, current title at Director level, recommendations will be solid). Liberal arts undergrad at Colgate University (concentration in Latin American Studies, underwhelming GPA below 3.0 -- a result of too much fun). Grew up in Latin American and Asia and want to pursue entrepreneurial and international opportunities post-MBA.

I am considering adding Pepperdine/Graziadio to my list, but am limited to programs in LA (bought a house, wife just finished law school at UCLA and has committed to a job in LA). Is there another option that I should consider?

Any counsel or guidance you can provide on how to move forward would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

SM

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear SM,

Pepperdine is a great safety option if you will be staying in the LA area. While your 640 puts you in range, I still think you should take the GMAT again to try and increase your quantitative score. With a low GPA, your GMAT needs to be closer to the schools' GMAT averages. You might still get in with a 640, but a higher GMAT will put you in a much better position for two highly competitive schools.

Good luck,
Lisa

[smcnamara]

Lisa,

Many thanks for your feedback.

Retaking the test in a month and trying to improve the unimpressive quant score up would probably be the most pragmatic course of action, but I have decided to focus my time and energy on the application essays.

My hope is that between the 42 on verbal and the 6 on AWAs, along with my background in communications, my profile will be differentiated enough to overcome my clear weakness in math. Or at the very least demonstrate that I wasn't oxygen deprived at birth.

I'll keep my expectations realistic given the 640 total, and just hope that the rest puts in me in long-shot contention for USC Marshall.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond; I sincerely appreciate your counsel.

Best,

SM

[Linda Abraham]

Lisa,

Many thanks for your feedback.

Retaking the test in a month and trying to improve the unimpressive quant score up would probably be the most pragmatic course of action, but I have decided to focus my time and energy on the application essays.

My hope is that between the 42 on verbal and the 6 on AWAs, along with my background in communications, my profile will be differentiated enough to overcome my clear weakness in math. Or at the very least demonstrate that I wasn't oxygen deprived at birth.

I'll keep my expectations realistic given the 640 total, and just hope that the rest puts in me in long-shot contention for USC Marshall.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond; I sincerely appreciate your counsel.

Best,

SM

SM,

If you are not going to retake the GMAT, then consider taking a math class or 2 that you can earn an A in. Stats for business, calculus, or accounting would all show that you are strengthening your math muscles. Earning that A will also show that you know how to apply yourself academically, which may help with the weak undergrad GPA. IF waitlisted, the fact that you are enrolled could help you and the fact that you are taking the course(s) should also help you once you are in an MBA program. MBA Math is another option.

Regards,
Linda